SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2): Winning Habits Beyond Medals
The SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2) concluded on a highly successful and inspiring note, reaffirming SANKUKAI’s commitment to nurturing discipline, character, and confidence through traditional Karate. The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation, smooth coordination, and a joyful environment—most importantly, ensuring the safety and happiness of every child who stepped onto the tatami.
Distinguished Presence & Motivational Leadership
The event was honoured by the presence of Ramnath Dangui, Ex-Sarpanch of Usgao Ganjeem Panchayat, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. His presence added dignity to the championship and reinforced the importance of community encouragement in the development of sports and youth activities.
Adding further inspiration to the event, Rajesh Naik, Assistant Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, delivered a powerful motivational speech. He emphasized the role of sports in shaping disciplined citizens and encouraged young athletes to pursue excellence with integrity, perseverance, and respect.
Championship Results
After intense and disciplined competition, the overall championship standings were announced as follows:
1st Place: Indian Karate Club, Belgavi
2nd Place: SANKUKAI Goa – No Surrender Karate & Fitness Academy
3rd Place: Indian Shotokan Karate-Do Organization- All participating teams demonstrated exceptional technique, sportsmanship, and the true spirit of Karate-Do.
Message That Touched Every Heart
In his inspiring address, Kyoshi Arun Dev, Jimukyokucho (Secretary General) of Nihon Shotokan Karate-Do SANKUKAI, delivered a message that deeply resonated with students and parents alike. He urged participants not to make winning medals their sole aim, but instead to win good habits—discipline, punctuality, humility, respect, and consistency—values that shape success far beyond the competition arena.
Organizational Excellence Behind the Scenes
The championship’s flawless execution was the result of dedicated teamwork and committed leadership.
Umesh Jainapur, the Chief Organizer, played a pivotal role in planning and coordinating the event with precision and dedication.
This photograph captures a heartfelt moment where Umesh Jainapur Sensei, Chief Organizer of the SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2), is receiving a Token of Love and Appreciation from Kyoshi Arun Dev, Jimukyokucho of the SANKUKAI World Organization. This gesture stands as recognition of Sensei Umesh’s dedication, leadership, and tireless efforts behind the scenes, which were instrumental in the successful execution of the championship.
Dignitaries – Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony of SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2) was further honoured by the gracious presence of senior SANKUKAI leadership:
- Sensei V. Narender, Chief Instructor, SANKUKAI South Asia
- Sensei Deekshid, Technical Director, SANKUKAI India
- Sensei Hameed, Chief Instructor, SANKUKAI South India
Their esteemed presence added dignity and strength to the opening ceremony, inspiring young karatekas and reinforcing the values of discipline, unity, and traditional Karate-Do that SANKUKAI stands for.
The entire flow and management of the championship were efficiently handled by Pankaj, whose organizational skills ensured seamless transitions between events and maintained discipline throughout the programme.
The event was gracefully anchored by Austin and Achielia, whose confident and engaging presentation kept the audience informed, involved, and energized.
Medical Support & Safety
Ensuring the well-being of all participants, Viraja Raut provided timely and professional medical assistance throughout the championship, giving confidence to athletes, parents, and organizers alike.
A Championship with a Purpose
The SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2) was not merely a competition—it was a celebration of values, unity, and growth. With strong leadership, disciplined execution, and wholehearted support from parents and officials, the event stood as a shining example of how Karate builds character alongside physical strength.
Officiating the Tournament: Discipline, Diplomacy, and Dedication
The success of the SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2) was strongly supported by an exceptional officiating team whose professionalism ensured order, fairness, and a positive environment for young competitors.
Sensei Devidas Naik emerged as the main attraction in the arena for his calm authority and exceptional care while managing bouts involving small children. Despite a challenging situation—where one instructor deliberately entered the arena with parents, even though clear rules stated that parents were not allowed—the manner in which he handled the situation was truly commendable. Surrounded by anxious parents, his diplomatic approach, patience, and respectful communication defused the situation smoothly. The tournament committee wholeheartedly appreciated his composure and extended sincere thanks for his unforgettable officiating skills.
Sensei Omkar was another key officiating personality who efficiently managed the entire tatami with the support of his energetic and disciplined students. His coordination ensured smooth bout transitions and maintained the competitive rhythm of the event.
Sensei Sunil Chauhan demonstrated excellent control in handling unwanted noise around the competition area, maintaining focus and discipline so that athletes could perform at their best without distractions.
A special word of appreciation goes to the students of Tao Martial Arts Academy, who silently and responsibly assisted in managing the bouts. Their calm conduct and strong sportsman spirit reflected high-quality training and a deep understanding of Karate values.
Together, the officiating team upheld the spirit of fairness, discipline, and respect—making the championship not just competitive, but exemplary in conduct.
Sensei Hameed MK, a senior Karate teacher from Balussery, Kerala, has been serving as the Chief Instructor of SANKUKAI South India for the past two years. With decades of dedication to Karate education, he has trained thousands of students and has rendered invaluable service as a Karate instructor in numerous schools. His vast experience, disciplined approach, and calm guidance added great strength to the SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2). Sensei Hameed’s contribution to the smooth conduct and overall success of the event remains truly memorable and deeply appreciated.
These photographs capture Sensei Hameed MK receiving a memento from the Rajesh Naik, Assistant Director of the Sports Authority of Goa in recognition of his valuable contributions and leadership during the SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2).
Sensei Deekshid KS, hailing from Kerala, serves as the Technical Director of SANKUKAI India and has been dedicatedly serving the SANKUKAI organization for nearly half a decade. Known for his technical precision and commitment to traditional Karate standards, he plays a vital role in maintaining quality instruction and uniformity across SANKUKAI training programs. A significant milestone in his Karate journey was the achievement of his 5th Degree Black Belt, earned during the DAN Grading conducted as part of SANKUKAI’s Annual Japan Training and Tour Program—a testament to his skill, discipline, and international-level training exposure.
The photograph captures Sensei Deekshid KS receiving a *memento from Rajesh Naik, in appreciation of his technical leadership and dedicated service to SANKUKAI.
Ramnath Dangui inaugurating the SANKUKAI CUP 2026 (Season 2). A noted public servant and respected politician, his contributions to the social and civic development of Ponda are widely acknowledged. His presence at the inauguration not only added prestige to the event but also reflected his continued commitment to youth empowerment, sports promotion, and community-building initiatives.
These photographs feature Sensei V. Narender, Chief Instructor of SANKUKAI South Asia, whose leadership and technical excellence have greatly strengthened Karate education across the region. His elevation to this role by Takeshi Kitagawa (Soke) stands as recognition of his long-standing dedication and exemplary service to the organization.
Sensei V. Narender is a highly respected and noted Sensei from Telangana, associated with the Indian Shotokan Karate-Do Organization. He currently serves as the Chief Instructor of SANKUKAI South Asia, a responsibility entrusted to him in recognition of his leadership, experience, and technical excellence. Widely known for his professional approach, Sensei V. Narender has played a key role in outsourcing qualified Karate instructors to schools across Telangana, significantly contributing to structured martial arts education. He is also renowned for conducting championships and training programmes that meet international standards. Earlier, he served as the Chief Instructor of SANKUKAI India, and later, Takeshi Kitagawa (Soke) elevated him to the role of Chief Instructor of SANKUKAI South Asia, acknowledging his long-standing dedication and exemplary service to the organization.
Rajesh Naik, Assistant Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, addressing the gathering with an inspiring message. Being a martial artist himself, his words carried practical experience and deep understanding of discipline, self-control, and perseverance. He emphasized that martial arts and sports are not only about competition, but about building strong character, mental resilience, and respect for society—making his address especially impactful for young karatekas and their parents.
As SANKUKAI moves forward, the spirit of this championship continues to inspire young karatekas to walk the path of discipline, respect, and lifelong learning.
OSU! 
Venue: 
Date: 4th January 2026
Location: Ponda, Goa – India